australian veterinary association 2011 annual report · annual report 2011 • australian...

Australian Veterinary Association 2011 annual report

Golden Retriever(Canis lupis familiaris)

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Annual Report 2011 • Australian Veterinary Association // 3

Contents

Corporate supporters

The AVA Board.....................................................................................3President’s report................................................................................4CEO’s report.........................................................................................6Treasurer’s report...............................................................................8Organisational chart.........................................................................10Staff structure...................................................................................11

Advocacy..........................................................................................12Continuing professional development...........................................15Conferences and events...................................................................16Communication and clinical resources..........................................18Volunteers and committees..........................................................20New initiatives............................................................................... 23

Benevolent Fund............................................................................24

The Australian Companion Animal Health Foundation...............25

Directors’ report.............................................................................26

Statement of comprehensive income..........................................29

Statement of financial position......................................................30

Statement of changes in equity.......................................................31

Statement of cash flows...............................................................32

Notes to the financial statements.................................................33

Director’s declaration.....................................................................42

Auditor’s independence declaration..............................................44

Independent auditor’s report........................................................45

baRRy smythPresident / Nominee of Equine

Veterinarians Australia

PeteR GibbsVice President

beN GaRDiNeRTreasurer

steve atkiNsoNDirector

PeteR CheNoWethNominee of Australian Cattle Veterinarians

Platinum aFFinitY Partner

Silver SuPPorter CorPorate SuPPorter

Platinum SuPPorter Gold eduCation SuPPorter

The AVA Board

The AVA Board

maRk LaWRieDirector

miCheLe CottoNNominee of Australian Small Animal

Veterinary Association

aDeLe FeakesDirector

juLia NiChoLLsDirector


The australian veterinary association (ava)

was formed in 1921 in melbourne. That

means that 2011 marks 90 years of

representing the interests of our members.

Those 90 years have been full of

continuous improvements in identifying

and delivering services to members.

Following on from the work of previous AVA

Boards and administrations, 2011 saw plans

put into action to continue to improve

cost-effective service delivery to members.

There has been a change in the membership

subscription year to begin on 1 July rather

than 1 January. This moves the payment of

AVA subscriptions away from the

Christmas-end of year rush and allows

greater flexibility for members. All

membership subscriptions will switch to

this billing date on 1 July 2012.

Anniversary billing sounded like a good

idea, but in practice it was an

administrative nightmare to implement.

Having 365 renewal dates made it very

difficult for AVA groups to keep track of

their membership numbers and it was

abandoned in August 2010.

At the request of many members, the AVA

now allows members to pay subscriptions

by direct deduction from a bank account on

a monthly basis. Payment on a monthly

basis makes it easier for members to spread

contributions according to their monthly

cash flows throughout the year.

Over the years subscriptions for many AVA

groups have developed in an ad hoc

manner, with little or no relationship to the

costs or level of service delivery. After

consultation with group executives, it was

agreed to introduce classification of the

special interest groups (SIGs) into three tiers

according to the levels of services they

provide. This is now in place and from July

2012 there will only be three different sets

of fees for SIG membership rather than

almost 20. The four largest SIGs are moving

towards a common membership fee

structure over the next few years. The

other SIGs have been classified into two

levels according to their service delivery

levels and there will now be a set fee for

each of these two levels, making it easier to

administer the financial affairs of all SIGs.

All AVA branches now have direct

administrative support from the division

offices and each division now has an

Executive Officer and office staff. Part of

their role is to ease the day-to-day

administrative load on all the volunteers

who provide such vital services and devote

their valuable time to AVA members.

An important change during 2011 was to

introduce a Board policy requiring a

meaningful differential in fees for non-

member veterinarians to attend AVA

events. For too long it has been simple for

veterinarians to remain non-members, but

enjoy access to AVA meetings and events at

little additional cost over and above that

paid by members. All AVA events are

supported by AVA members’ subscriptions.

Further, commercial agreements to support

AVA events are negotiated by the AVA on

behalf of our members. It is not acceptable

that non-members should have access to

AVA events at minimal additional cost.

It is also not acceptable for AVA members to

facilitate access to AVA services by their

non-member work colleagues. Sharing

passwords and other AVA materials with

non-members at no cost is unfair on all

those veterinarians who choose to become

AVA members and support AVA activities

through their membership fees and

volunteer activities.

Discussions with AVA groups over the past

couple of years have also been aimed at

finding ways to make it easier for the

various groups to function and to make the

administrative load less onerous on the

smaller groups. This will require changes to

the AVA constitution. AVA members and

groups will be consulted during 2012 on the

proposed changes, which will be put to the

2013 AVA Annual General Meeting for

ratification.

The AVA was very active on behalf of

members during 2011 and you can read an

outline of those endeavours in the report

from Chief Executive Officer Graham Catt.

There was a pleasing result to the AVA’s

financial management during 2011, with a

small surplus resulting from a planned

break-even budget. The financial result is

explained more extensively in the report

from AVA Treasurer Ben Gardiner.

On behalf of the AVA Board I would like to

acknowledge all the efforts of our staff and

the several hundred AVA members who

volunteer their time and expertise for all

AVA members.

On behalf of all AVA members, I wish to

thank all these hard-working individuals for

their efforts on behalf of the wider

membership. It seems the AVA is taking on

ever increasing activities on behalf of the

membership. These efforts are essential for

the veterinary profession to maintain its

role on the national stage in all matters

related to animals in Australia.

Barry Smyth

President’s reportblack-tailed swamp wallaby(Wallabia bicolor)

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President’s reporte


NatioNaL RePoRt

The ava finished an eventful year in 2011 in a

strong financial position, having negotiated

several difficult issues, and made

considerable progress toward our aim of

greater cooperation, coordination and

efficiency across all parts of the association.

Our aim is to walk the fine line between

maintaining the diversity that members

find so valuable, while decreasing

duplication and inefficiency caused by a

lack of coordination across different

functions. In keeping with that challenge,

the presidents of our four largest special

interest groups (SIGs) joined with the Board

to develop our strategic plan for 2012–2015,

and we again held a group summit meeting

in May for representatives of our SIGs,

divisions and largest branches.

We celebrated Vet2011, the 250th

anniversary of the veterinary profession.

In March both houses of federal parliament

recorded motions recognising the

contribution of the veterinary profession,

and we used this occasion to launch our

Vet2011 celebrations at Parliament House

in Canberra.

Other events and activities to mark the

occasion and promote the work of

veterinarians were held during the year at

the Annual Conference in May, and through

our media and education activities.

We’ve chosen to change the format of our

annual report to reflect this greater

cooperation across the diverse parts of the

association. Instead of each group

submitting a report on their activities,

we’ve set out our combined activities in

particular fields of endeavour. So for

example, on page 16 you can scan all our

conferencing achievements for the year for

a different perspective on how each activity

fits into the whole picture of what the AVA

offers to Australian veterinarians.

Some of our functions are centralised, and

I’ve included an overview here of our

achievements in those areas.

Full membership remained steady at around

50% of registered veterinarians, while

student membership continued to grow

during 2011. In December, the AVA had 4468

full members and 2395 student members, a

total of more than 6800 members.

Our media profile during the year increased

strongly, with 4140 mentions in all types of

media. This was a 31% increase over the

figures for 2010, and included a highly

successful program of stories from the

Annual Conference.

The Annual Conference in Adelaide was a

highlight of the year, with more than 1000

veterinarians, students, speakers and

industry representatives converging for the

largest veterinary gathering in the region.

The industry exhibition was a particular

highlight, with 115 stands and 85 exhibitors.

It was also a great opportunity for Adelaide

University veterinary students to

participate in our flagship event.

We coordinated responses to four major

issues through taskforces of SIGs and

divisions working alongside national staff

and Board members. These were the January

floods in Queensland, the Indonesian live

exports crisis, the largest ever recorded

number of Hendra cases, and a sudden

legislative change in Victoria in response to a

toddler’s death from a dog attack.

Managing these issues involved coordinated

and cooperative work in advocacy, member

communications, media, and local

operational responses. This is a great

example of our work in bringing different

parts of the AVA together. It allows the AVA

to decide collectively on action, and to act

in a timely way to achieve our objectives on

behalf of the profession. It also facilitated

important projects such as the production

of our first ever instructional video –

Suit up! Personal protective equipment

for veterinarians.

The AVA published the first edition of

Guidelines for veterinary personal

biosecurity to provide detailed advice to

veterinarians on risks and protections in

relation to zoonoses.

The majority of our advocacy activities

revolved around the issues noted above,

including submissions to the various

reviews of Australia’s live export industry.

Other input included recommendations to

the Senate Inquiry into higher education

and skills training to support future demand

in agriculture and agribusiness in Australia,

along with submissions about proposed

changes to the Australian Pesticides and

Veterinary Medicines Authority, revisions to

the Australian code of practice for the care

and use of animals for scientific purposes,

and the national training package for

equine dental technicians.

Policy Advisory Council finalised 10 new or

updated policies and position statements,

including reviewing the position statement on

live export and the policy on humane slaughter

during the Indonesian live exports crisis.

During 2011, the AVA established and built

on our relationships with the corporate

supporters who provide such invaluable

assistance to all our programs across the

AVA family. Across all our activities, the

overall support increased by 20%

compared to 2010. I’d like to give special

thanks to our largest supporters, Guild

Group, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Provet, Troy

Laboratories and IDEXX Laboratories. We

couldn’t achieve what we do without the

generous, ongoing support from all our

sponsors, advertisers, exhibitors and

corporate supporters.

I’d like to thank the AVA Board and President

Barry Smyth for their support over the past

year. It has been a pleasure to work with a

highly committed group of volunteers, who

collaborate closely with the management

team to make our shared goals a reality.

Finally, thank you to the team of

professionals who support the myriad of

activities that the AVA delivers. Our staff

members around the country are

committed to making your association a

success, and work hard to make that a

reality. We appreciate all their efforts.

award winners

Congratulations to all those who received an

AVA award in 2011. Thank you for all you’ve

done for the association and the profession.

Gilruth Prize – Jim Whittem

kesteven medal – Peter Windsor

Fellowships

Robert Hedlefs

Andrew Nicholson

Peter Punch

meritorious service awards

Patricia Coward

Warren Foreman

Derek Major

Howard Perry Manusu

David Neck

Gaille Perry

Graham Swinney

Don kerr student awards – Stacey Rae

President’s award – Mary Barton

Graham Catt

CEO’s report

CEO’s report

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Treasurer’s reportThe past three years has marked the

planned utilisation of prior financial

accumulations through two deficit budgets

in 2009 and 2010, to expand the scope of

the association, to grow the ava’s financial

capacity and thereby return the budget to

balance in 2011 while retaining the

enhanced structure.

For clarification, the statutory accounts to

which my report is attached, unless

otherwise indicated are ‘consolidated’,

representing the combined activities of all

branches, divisions and national office as

well as the six AVA trusts. The trusts are

controlled entities in that the Board has the

power to approve and remove trustees, but

has no direct input into operations of the

trusts. Financial results over which we have

direct control are described as ‘parent’ (the

trusts are excluded) and are referenced as

such. The comprehensive income(loss)

allows for changes in fair value of available-

for-sale assets.

Financial operating result

The Board approved a 2011 balanced

operating budget for the AVA parent,

requiring operational improvement over the

previous year of around $293,000. This was

to be achieved almost equally between

reduced expenditure and increased revenue.

Expenditure was cut by almost 3%, and

total revenue rose by 3.9% to $10.1 million.

Subscription income rose by 6.7% and now

makes up 28% of overall revenues.

Conference success was again a particular

revenue highlight, which is particularly

pleasing as we know that success in this

area yields not only the professional

development of members but fosters

engagement and collegiality. The final

operating result for AVA was a surplus of

$236,175 and for the parent $189,042, which

is a remarkable performance to budget with

revenue almost exactly on budget (exceeded

by 0.34%) and expenditure under budget by

just 1.59%. Precise adherence to budget,

however, is not evidence that all that was

promised was actually delivered, but a result

such as this requires diligence and

cooperation of the large number of

volunteer executive committee members

combined with management staff and I

commend them for their efforts. The total

comprehensive income for AVA was a loss

of $6,070, after allowance for unrealised

losses on financial assets.

balance sheet

The AVA remains in a strong position and

held total assets of $12.961 million and net

assets of $9.955 million, with the parent

holding net assets of $8.979 million and a

solid current ratio of 1.47.

investment performance

In 2011, the AVA held financial investments

with year end balances in the form of

managed funds ($0.875 million) and

equities ($1.139 million) and term deposits

($2.794 million). The managed funds and

equities balances fell by $139,000,

reflecting a year of market volatility and

decline. These funds are managed by

Macquarie Bank (MAB). The finance

committee meets regularly with MAB to

review this performance and while

disappointing, we have opted to remain

invested to this extent for now. We also

review our minimum cash balances

required for operations and continued to

hold funds in excess of this as a secure

form of investment, which yielded an

average weighted return of just under 6%.

Property and equipment

During 2011 there were no major property

or asset acquisitions and no material shift

in valuations. The AVA holds five offices as

freehold and combined with plant and

equipment holds a book valuation of $5.295

million as at December 31 2011. There are no

current Board resolutions committing to

any new property acquisitions.

Funds, trusts and estates

The AVA has six trusts being the Australian

Companion Animal Health Foundation

(ACAHF), Australian Veterinary Association

Benevolent Fund (AVABF), Australian

Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Trust

(AVAAWT), Animal Welfare and Crisis

Response Trust (AWCRT), Veterinary

Emergency Support Trust (VEST), and AVA

Animal Welfare Institute Trust (AVAAWIT),

which have a total equity of $975,700. The

ACAHF, AVAAWT, AVABF, AWCRT, VEST

and AVAAWIT held balances of $703,938,

$62,352, $184,727, ($99), $24,773 and

$10 respectively.

key aspects of finance committee activities

in 2011

There were 14 finance committee meetings

(by teleconference or face-to-face) in 2011.

Most notable achievements included the

implementation of the budget charter

(adopted in 2010) from budget planning

through to the operating result, with a very

tight budget versus actual performance.

The budget charter is essentially the

standard operating procedure for all AVA

groups to coordinate financial

arrangements around their planned

activities and the instrument through

which changes to financial resources are

negotiated. For example, improved financial

forecasting enabled some additional

projects across the organisation to be

brought forward prior to year end. Another

noteworthy process is the use of internal

benchmarking to attain efficiencies. A

project not yet completed, but needed, is a

review of our current accounting software

Canadian gopher(Spermophilus spp)

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Treasurer’s reporte

to simplify use of financial data across the

whole organisation. Much of our financial

strategy was predicated on substantial

growth in membership numbers to

financially sustain our bigger and better

association, and while we have witnessed

some growth, we have not reached our

ambitious targets. In response to this the

Board approved a balanced budget again in

2012. I remain confident that the bigger,

better structure and services now exist to

attract more of our profession to belong to

the AVA and I believe this will translate into

an escalation of member numbers into the

medium-term.

I wish to thank the members of the finance

committee, being fellow directors Julia

Nicholls, Peter Gibbs, Adele Feakes and

Barry Smyth, and management being

Graham Catt, Sue McGrath, and Anna

Gregori, but in particular Corporate Services

Manager, John Robb, for his sustained input

to this committee. I would also like to thank

the other treasurers from all of our groups

who volunteer their time to oversee our

organisation’s finances. As this is my third

and final AVA Treasurer’s report I would also

like to thank the Board for the opportunity

to perform this role. While all that was

planned has yet to be achieved I wish

the incoming finance committee well in

that endeavour.

Ben Gardiner

Annual Report 2011 • Australian Veterinary Association // 11Organisational chart | Staff structure

divisions

branches

australian veterinary journal

special interest groups staff

the australian veterinary association

members

chief executive officer

policy advisory council other advisory committees

board

Organisational chartchief executive officer

corporate services educationcommunications

policy development and implementation

human resources

publications and online

communicationsit division

administration

policy development media finance

sig administration

member services and

marKeting

strategy and services events

Staff structure

Green tree frog(Litoria caerulea)

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himalayan cat(Felis domesticus)

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// 13Annual Report 2011 • Australian Veterinary Association

The ava’s advocacy work includes meeting

with industry and government

stakeholders, writing to members of

parliament, making submissions to

government agencies, and making

media statements.

The AVA divisions and special interest

groups were very active throughout 2011

on a range of topics.

DivisioNsindigenous animal health programs

The Northern Territory Division made a

representation to the Department of

Families, Housing, Community Services

and Indigenous Affairs regarding dog

health programs in remote communities

and creating stronger ties with the

Federal Government.

The Division also developed the AVA’s

Indigenous Animal Health Program Model

and Guidelines, which is with members

for comment.

Companion animals

Most of the divisions played a role in

advocacy activities relating to companion

animals. The Queensland Division was busy

increasing their engagement with welfare

agencies and local governments to find a

workable formula to help reduce the

number of unwanted pets in local pounds.

In Victoria, mandatory desexing was once

again a big issue and in Western Australia,

Paul Davey, Garry Edgar and Allison Lyons

made several submissions to, and met with,

the Western Australian Department of

Local Government about a proposed cat

control act.

The New South Wales Division participated

in the companion animal taskforce and held

meetings with the Minister for Agriculture

to discuss companion animal issues and the

Department of Health to address Q fever in

small animal practices.

Dangerous dogs

The Queensland Division assisted the

Department of Infrastructure and Planning

in Queensland with formulating legislation

to address the issue of responsible pet

ownership rather than banning breeds.

Following a fatal dog attack on a child in

Victoria, the Victorian Division made known

its objection to restricted breed legislation

in their state, by meeting with the

Municipal Association of Victoria as well as

the Bureau of Animal Welfare.

equine dentistry

The ACT Division, particularly Bruce

Twentyman and Olivia James, continued to

work on the issues surrounding training of

non-veterinary equine dental technicians.

The Victorian Division was also active on the

issue, particularly in relation to the use of

power tools by non-veterinary technicians.

hendra virus

Although the 2011 Hendra season recorded a

record number of equine cases, there were

no human cases throughout the year. There

have been many initiatives that have resulted

from the recent outbreaks, not the least of

which was the Hendra personal protection

equipment (PPE) video produced by the AVA.

As one of the areas to suffer outbreaks of

the virus, the Queensland Division has

continued to be active on this issue. Along

with Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA)

and other AVA representatives, they met

with Biosecurity Queensland three times in

2011 to discuss current and ongoing

Hendra strategies. They also participated

in the Hendra symposium to prioritise

the allocation of the $12 million in

research funding.

New South Wales also experienced the

effects of the Hendra virus and the Division

met with the NSW Chief Veterinary Officer

and the Minister for Agriculture to discuss

the issue.

On a related topic, the Queensland Division

met with Queensland Health to talk about

veterinary involvement with the C3 bat

program. As a result of this meeting the

Division has surveyed members to find out

which veterinary practices can assist bat

handlers in the humane destruction and

dispatch of bats that have had direct contact

with members of the general public.

Natural disasters and preparedness

The year began with flooding in

Queensland and almost immediately the

Queensland Division was kept busy

providing support to practices and

representing the Division on the state

Animal Welfare Flood Control Group.

Other divisions including Victoria and

Tasmania have been assisting governments

with developing emergency management

plans for animals and the Western Australian

Division made a pledge of assistance to

clinics in bushfire zones in south-west

Western Australia in late November.

Live export

After the issue of live animal export came to

the attention of the whole country mid-

year, the AVA has been kept busy with the

issue. A Live Export forum was organised by

the Western Australian Division in August

and was attended by 120 delegates. The

Victorian Division also spent some time on

this issue and met with relevant Ministers in

the second half of the year.

Pharmaceuticals

Representatives from the Western

Australian Division attended meetings to

discuss the review of the Poisons Act and

there was some action in the Northern

Territory on the ability for non-

veterinarians to access prescription drugs

on permit under the Medicine, Poisons and

Therapeutic Goods Act.

The Northern Territory Division was also

represented at the National Pharmaceutical

Drug Misuse Strategy forum to ensure

Australian veterinarians retain continued

access for drugs of addiction and

benzodiazepines.

veterinary practice and animal welfare acts

The New South Wales Division successfully

lobbied against changing practice

ownership regulations under the NSW

Veterinary Practice Act.

The Northern Territory and Tasmanian

Divisions were involved in discussions

regarding amendments to their respective

veterinary surgeons acts and the Tasmanian

Division also consulted on proposed

amendments for the Animal Welfare Act.

Puppy farms

The Queensland Division has been

contributing to the formation of legislation

to enforce standards of care for dog

breeding establishments. It is expected that

these will go a long way towards outlawing

puppy farms.

media

The Northern Territory received media

coverage following the distribution of a media

release on how to prepare pets for cyclones.

Paul Davey from the Western Australian

Division was interviewed by ABC Radio twice

in 2011, both times about the topic of vet fees,

and the Victorian Division received a total

of 56 media mentions throughout the year.

sPeCiaL iNteRest GRouPsCattle

The Australian Cattle Veterinarians (ACV)

made representations to various senate

enquiries and directly lobbied key

independent parliamentarians on the issue

of live animal export.

alpacas

The Australian Alpaca Veterinarians (AAV)

was involved in ongoing discussion with the

Australian Alpaca Association and Animal

Health Australia about the running of the

Alpaca Johne’s Disease Market Assurance

Program and the Q-Alpaca program.

Pigeons

The Australian Avian Veterinary Medical

Association (AAVMA) began working with

Australian Quarantine and Inspection

Services (AQIS) on the quarantine

procedures for imported pigeons.

Companion animals

The Australian Veterinary Behaviour

Interest Group (AVBIG) played a significant

role in submissions made to the Victorian

Government with respect to new breed-

specific legislation requirements. AVBIG

was also involved in an AVA seminar to

educate veterinarians about the potential

impact of this legislation on their practices.

AVBIG produced a brochure on rewards-

based training methods for dogs for

training organisations.

The Australian Small Animal Veterinary

Association (ASAVA) was involved in

discussions with AQIS about the

importation of pet food and the Australian

Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS)

established communication with a major

insurance underwriter to discuss the lack of

coverage for dental treatments within pet

insurance policies.

equine

Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) was

involved in a number of advocacy issues in 2011.

Hendra virus took centre stage for EVA, with

EVA representatives attending many

meetings with various stakeholder groups

including the Intergovernmental Hendra

Virus Taskforce, the Department of

Employment, Economic Development and

Innovation, Workplace Health and Safety

Queensland, Queensland Health and the

Horse Biosecurity and Market Access Liaison

Group. The EVA was also represented at the

Hendra Virus Scientific Congress.

Additionally, EVA participated in an equine

working group to update the guidelines for

infectious disease control at horse events in

New South Wales, provided comment on the

Kunjin virus outbreak, corresponded with

the Council of Veterinary Deans of Australia

and New Zealand with regards to including

PPE training for veterinary undergraduates

in the university curriculum and worked

with the Australia Horse Industry Council

and the Rural Industries Research and

Development Corporation on the future of

horse-related research in Australia.

AVDS and EVA were both heavily involved in

the discussions with Agriskills Australia

about the development of an equine dental

training package.

industry

Australian Veterinarians in Industry (AVI) made

submissions regarding the lack of controls

applied to safety, efficacy and residue aspects

surrounding compounded products as well

as making representations to the AVA

antibiotic resistance working group.

Public health

Members of Australian Veterinarians in

Public Health (AVPH) were active on the AVA

antimicrobial resistance working group.

sheep

Australian Sheep Veterinarians (ASV) made a

submission to the New South Wales

Department of Industry and Investment in

response to proposed changes to the state’s

sheep lice management program and they

also liaised with the Australian Pesticides

and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA)

in December regarding the use of S4 drugs

for pain relief in livestock.

Rabbits and ferrets

The Unusual and Exotic Pets (UEP) group

worked with Policy Advisory Council on the

vaccination of rabbits and ferrets policy,

which was ratified by the AVA Board in

June 2011.

Advocacy

Advocacy

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// 15 // 15Annual Report 2011 • Australian Veterinary Association

a range of continuing professional

development activities were on offer for

members throughout the year.

DivisioNsThe ACT Division held an evening of

continuing professional development on

small animal internal medicine and

reconstructive skin surgery in February and

another in September on practical

emergencies.

Members of the Northern Territory and

South Australian Divisions were all sent a

copy of the Wildlife Treatment sheets,

which were developed by the South

Australian Veterinary Wildlife Group. In

addition the South Australian Division ran

six dinner meetings, an event on cytology,

an alpaca wet-workshop and three

workshops run by the South Australian

Veterinary Emergency Management group

on what to do in the case of an emergency.

The Victorian Division ran six continuing

professional development seminars and

two scientific seminars, and the nine

branches within the Division conducted

37 events across the state. The New South

Wales Division also delivered continuing

professional development opportunities via

its branches, with at least 17 events taking

place in 2011.

The Central Queensland Branch of the

Queensland Division ran a weekend

conference in Agnes Waters in October

and the Division ran a well-attended

dental workshop.

In Western Australia the Division ran 11

seminars and one webinar.

sPeCiaL iNteRest GRouPsAustralian Cattle Veterinarians (ACV)

continued to offer members accreditation

via the Veterinary Bull Breeding Soundness

Evaluation and National Cattle Pregnancy

Diagnosis Scheme and the Australian

Reproduction Veterinarians (ARV) also

provided accreditation for members for the

export of embryos.

During July and August the Australian

Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), in

conjunction with Hill’s Pet Nutrition, ran an

Australia-wide seminar series and a

workshop to coincide with Pet Dental

Health Month.

Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) ran a

total of nine state meetings and their Young

Members’ Group ran seven continuing

professional development seminars

throughout 2011. In November, EVA ran a

webinar on managing equine wounds,

which was attended by approximately

50 people and their Denoix Ultrasound

workshop proved very popular with

82% of participants rating it as excellent.

EVA, with the assistance of AVA national,

also developed a video, Suit up! Personal

protective equipment for veterinarians, to

educate members and help them comply

with workplace health and safety

practices and deal with the threat of

infectious diseases.

The Australian Veterinarians in Public Health

(AVPH), the Australian Sheep Veterinarians

(ASV) and EVA each ran a post-conference

workshop following the AVA Annual

Conference in Adelaide. The Australian

Veterinary Acupuncture Group (AVAG) ran

two workshops post-conference, which

were attended by approximately

55 delegates each. The AVDS ran three

workshops and the Australian Small

Animal Veterinary Association (ASAVA)

helped to promote and to subsidise the

PennHIP workshop.

The Australian Holistic Veterinarians (AHV)

ran the first-ever AVA webinar early in 2011

as well as holding a scientific meeting and

field trip in Brisbane in March.

Also embracing webinars as a means of

delivering continuing professional

development, the Australian Veterinary

Association Practice Management (AVAPM)

group ran a Modern awards webinar for

30 attendees.

Continuing professional development

tasmanian devil(Sarcophilus harrisii)

+

e

Continuing professional development


koala(Phascolarctos cinereus)

+Conferences and eventsThe ava divisions and special interest

groups (siGs) ran a variety of conferences as

well as social and networking events in 2011.

DivisioNsWhile most events were targeted towards

practitioners, there were also several run

specifically for students, including four

events run by the Victorian Division, three

by the Western Australian Division and one

by the ACT Division.

The Northern Territory, Queensland and

Victorian Divisions all ran their annual

conferences in March and the New South

Wales Division held one of its regional

conferences in March also. The other was

held in Tamworth in September.

Other major conferences held throughout

the year included the South Australian

Division Conference in February, the

Western Australian Division Conference in

September and the Tasmanian Division

Conference in November, which was run in

conjunction with the Brisbane Veterinary

Practitioners Branch.

The Northern Territory Division ran their

first ever Indigenous Animal Health Summit

in Darwin, which was attended by

19 delegates, followed by a second summit

held in Adelaide and attended by

36 delegates.

In response to the introduction of new

restricted breed rules in Victoria, the

Victorian Division held a restricted breed

seminar in September. Video footage from

the seminar is available to watch on the

AVA website at www.ava.com.au.

The Western Australian Division was also

kept busy with a full calendar of events,

which included a women’s networking

event in July and a Live Export forum in

August, which had a great turn out of

approximately 120 attendees. The division

also organised a two-part course on suicide

prevention which they ran in both

September and December.

The Queensland Division’s series of

infection control workshops wrapped up in

August at the conclusion of their Roma

round up conference.

Also on offer throughout the year was a

range of social activities, hosted by

divisions and braches. These events

included golf, sailing, fly fishing, race day,

tennis, trivia, wine tours and events for

new graduates.

One social event of particular note in 2011

was the 50th anniversary celebration of the

ACT Division, which was marked with a

fancy dress ball attended by around

50 veterinarians.

SpeCial intereSt GroupSThe majority of SIGs either work with, or

form part of, the AVA Annual Conference

Program Committee to produce content for

the sessions and arrange appropriate

speakers.

In 2011, there were about 15 SIGs that

contributed to the Annual Conference

program, including the Australian

Veterinary Acupuncture Group (AVAG),

Australian Veterinarians for Animal Welfare

and Ethics (AVAWE), Australian Veterinary

Behaviour Interest Group (AVBIG),

Australian Cattle Veterinarians (ACV),

Australian Veterinary Conservation

Biologists (AVCB), Australian Veterinary

Dental Society (AVDS), Equine Veterinarians

Australia (EVA), Australian Greyhound

Veterinarians (AGV), Australian Holistic

Veterinarians (AHV), Australian

Veterinarians in Industry (AVI), Australian

Veterinary Association Practice

Management (AVAPM), Australian

Veterinarians in Public Health (AVPH),

Australian Sheep Veterinarians (ASV),

Australian Small Animal Veterinary

Association (ASAVA) and Unusual and

Exotic Pets (UEP).

The Australian Veterinary History Society

(AVHS) also held a one-day meeting for

members at the Annual Conference.

In addition, many groups ran their own

stand-alone conferences and events. The

ACV and Australian Reproductive

Veterinarians (ARV) ran a combined

conference in Launceston in April with

approximately 240 delegates.

The Australian Pig Veterinarians (APV) ran a

conference in June with approximately

60 attendees. The ASV ran a specialist

sheep conference in September with

approximately 100 attendees, the UEP ran a

conference in October with approximately

55 attendees, and the Australian Avian

Veterinary Medical Association (AAVMA)

held a joint conference with the Association

of Avian Veterinarians Australasian

Committee in Canberra with approximately

55 delegates in attendance.

The ASAVA held its annual conference on

Thoracic medicine and surgery in August on

the Gold Coast and also held a R&R

conference in the Hunter Valley in October

on Critical care.

EVA held the Bain Fallon Memorial Lectures

in July in Alice Springs and despite the

remote location still attracted a total of

166 veterinary delegates and 128 industry

delegates.

Conferences and events

The EVA also contributed to the continuing

professional development program at

Equitana in November.

The AVAPM ran an Exclusive insights tour in

Victoria in lieu of a conference. The tour took

a group of approximately 20 delegates to

visit local veterinary clinics over two-days.

The Commercial Poultry Veterinarians (CPV)

held two scientific meetings in 2011. The

first was held in February in association

with the 2011 Australian Poultry Science

Symposium at the University of Sydney and

the second was held in November to mark

the 50th anniversary of the Australian

Veterinary Poultry Association.

The AVHS also arranged an event to

commemorate a special anniversary,

Vet2011, and the celebration of 250 years

of the veterinary profession. The AVHS

President, in conjunction with the

Australian Animal Health Laboratory

Snowden lecture, the University of

Melbourne and the Commonwealth

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and

Forestry, arranged a one-day symposium

to acknowledge Vet2011.

Slightly further afield, Australian Alpaca

Veterinarians (AAV) arranged a two-week

study trip to South America to study the

Peruvian alpaca industry. The tour was

attended by 33 AAV members and their

partners and also included the AAV

conference which took place at Colca

Lodge, in the Colca Valley.

SIGs also ran a number of social events

throughout the year, including annual

group dinners and Christmas functions.

e

e


Communication and c linical resources

ee

DivisioNsIn 2011 the divisions produced 98 electronic

newsletters and 16 hard copy newsletters

for members.

In addition to their electronic newsletters,

the Western Australian Division also

provided participants at their practical

seminars with a copy of the proceedings.

sPeCiaL iNteRest GRouPsThroughout the year a total of 18 journals

and 133 newsletters were produced by

special interest groups. In addition,

members of the Australian Veterinary

Behaviour Interest Group (AVBIG) received

the six 2011 issues of the Journal of

Veterinary Behaviour.

Many groups spent time developing their

online presence and resources for

members, with the Australian Veterinary

Association Practice Management (AVAPM)

and Australian Greyhound Veterinarians

(AGV) launching new websites and the

Australian Holistic Veterinarians (AHV) and

Australian Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS)

continuing the development of their

existing sites. Equine Veterinarians

Australia (EVA) and Australian Veterinarians

in Public Health (AVPH) also made use of

online tools and have been using the

workspaces on the AVA website to facilitate

communication among their members.

The AVPH also continued its successful

venture into social media with the AVPH

facebook group, which now has 114

members who regularly post information.

The Australian Alpaca Veterinarians (AAV)

provided members with relevant scientific

abstracts and access to llama list, an

electronic list that provides a forum for

vets to discuss medical and surgical

problems in South American camelids. The

Unusual and Exotic Pets (UEP) group offers

a similar service for UEP members with

their Yahoo listserve, and so do the

Australian Cattle Veterinarians (ACV).

The AGV regularly updates and distributes

the official Track Veterinarians Protocol to

members and the Australian Small Animal

Veterinary Association (ASAVA) continued to

run their Hospital Accreditation Scheme as

well as providing members with in-practice

resources for distribution to clients.

The EVA also created some new resources

for members in 2011. Thirteen horse-owner

fact sheets were produced in 2011 as well

as a post-Hendra virus exposure fact sheet

available for all equine vets. An exciting

new initiative for the EVA in 2011 was the

purchase of a life-sized horse mannequin,

‘Bruce’, which is used for equine rescue

training. The purchase was made possible

thanks to the support of Troy Laboratories

and Provet.

superb fairy wren(Malurus cyaneus)

+

Communication and clinical resources


Volunteers and committeeseach of the ava’s groups has an executive

committee that meets regularly to discuss

issues of importance to their state or

territory or within their area of special

interest.

DivisioNsThere were approximately 74 members who

served on division executive committees in

2011 and around 81 meetings were held by

AVA division executive committees

throughout the year.

Each division also has a member who serves

on the Policy Advisory Council, which held

one face-to-face meeting in 2011.

The ACT Division has one member on the

ASAVA Accredited Hospitals Scheme who

volunteers as a hospital inspector.

The Queensland Division is particularly

active in the AVA’s Pets and People

Education Program (PetPEP), which relies

heavily on members donating their time to

participate in school visits. In 2011 the

Queensland Division made more than

400 school visits for PetPEP.

As well as attending AVA meetings and

events, such as group summits or the

President’s meeting, a lot of the members

on executive committees also hold

positions on various committees, boards

and councils external to the AVA.

The Northern Territory has one member on

the NT government Animal Welfare

Advisory Committee, who attended four

meetings in 2011 and the Tasmanian

Division also has a member who represents

them on the state government Animal

Welfare Advisory Committee.

The New South Wales Division committee

has one member on the NSW Companion

Animal taskforce, two members who

represent the AVA on the University of

Sydney Veterinary Faculty, one member

who represents the Division on the Charles

Sturt University Veterinary Faculty and one

member on the Poisons Advisory Council.

The Western Australian Division has two

members who volunteer their time as

Graduate Support Scheme Coordinators and

hold regular meetings in this capacity.

sPeCiaL iNteRest GRouPsThere were approximately 140 members

who served on special interest group (SIG)

executive committees in 2011 and they held

around 89 meetings throughout the year.

Each SIG also has a member who serves on

the Policy Advisory Council, which held one

face-to-face meeting in 2011.

In addition to its executive committee,

Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) has a

Young Member President and six Young

Member state representatives, as well as

one member on the National Equine

Integrity Welfare Advisory Group, one on

the AVA Therapeutics Advisory Committee,

one on the AVA Conference Program

Committee and two representatives on the

Hendra virus taskforce set up to manage

the many issues around Hendra virus

during 2011.


also has a representative on the AVA

Therapeutics Advisory Committee and

another on the Cattle Council of Australia.

Members of the Australian Veterinarians in

Industry (AVI) are represented on the

Industry Liaison Committee and the AVA

antibiotic resistance working group.

When the issue of live animal export was

brought to the forefront mid-year, a live

export taskforce was formed, and

members from the Australian Veterinarians

in Public Health (AVPH), ACV and Australian

Veterinarians for Animal Welfare and Ethics

(AVAWE) have been involved with this group

from its beginnings.

As the biggest SIG the Australian Small

Animal Veterinary Association (ASAVA) is

involved in many groups and committees

both within the AVA and externally. All up,

about 30 ASAVA members volunteer their

time on various groups including the

Australian Companion Animal Health

Foundation, World Small Animal Veterinary

Association, Federation of Asian Small

Animal Veterinary Associations, the Animal

Health Committee and the National

Industry Advisory Committee.

The AVAWE played an integral role on the

Animal Welfare Trust with two members as

Trustees and one serving as President of

the Trust.

Lion(Panthera leo)

+

Volunteers and committees

ee


DivisioNsResources

The Northern Territory Division developed

four new brochures to assist members in

the event of a natural disaster. The

brochures include Livestock and natural

disaster, Pets and natural disaster, Keeping

your vet practice safe in a disaster and

Horses and natural disaster.

The New South Wales Division made

available online all of the proceedings from

their past conferences and the Western

Australian Division made the switch from

hard copy to electronic distribution for the

Veterinary Association Bulletin newsletter.

Rural initiatives

In 2011, the New South Wales Division

finalised the Kath Farr Scholarship, which

will be awarded to a female student in her

final year at the University of Sydney who is

planning a career in rural practice. The

scholarship will be awarded for the first

time in 2013. The Division also introduced

student visits to rural areas.

The Queensland Division began working

more closely with the Veterinary Surgeons’

Board (VSB) of Queensland and initiated VSB

visits to regional areas. These visits are run

in conjunction with Queensland Division

branch events and are designed to improve

communication between the VSB and the

practising profession.

students and recent graduates

The Queensland New Graduate Support

Scheme commenced in 2011 and now has

15 mentors who have been trained and

matched with 30 students or recent

graduates participating in the program.

The Tasmanian Division held their first

welcome dinner for new graduates. This is

an important new initiative as there are not

many new graduates in Tasmania each year

and often graduates working in rural areas

can find it quite isolating.

Also working to support new graduates and

the mentors who support them, the

Western Australian Division committee

decided to hold a Graduate Support Dinner

as a way to debrief on the activities of the

year and to thank the mentors who

volunteer their time.

vet health

The Western Australian Division instigated a

suicide prevention strategy to address the

issues of stress, depression and suicide

within the veterinary profession. The

Division has employed Brian McErlean to

coordinate a concerted and organised

approach to combat these problems.

The strategy will be funded by a grant the

Division obtained from the Western Australian

Government’s Suicide Prevention Strategy.

branch name change

The Sydney Metropolitan Practitioners

Branch changed its name to the Sydney

Branch.

sPeCiaL iNteRest GRouPsCommunication

In 2011, several special interest groups

began using online forums to communicate

with members as well as facilitate

communication among members. These

initiatives include the establishment of a

Young Members Group on www.newvet.net

by Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA), the

creation of an email list for Australian

Sheep Veterinarians (ASV) members to

discuss technical issues, and the use of

surveys by the Australian Veterinarians for

Animal Welfare and Ethics (AVAWE) to find

out how members feel about issues such as

live animal export. The Australian

Greyhound Veterinarians (AGV) also

launched a new website.


President, Rob Bonanno, focused on

communicating outside of the profession

and began submitting monthly

contributions to Dairy News Australia.

Publications

The Australian Veterinary History Society

(AVHS) produced a short history on

veterinary education and the profession in

Australia to mark Vet2011, the 250th

anniversary of the veterinary profession.

The Australian Small Animal Veterinary

Association (ASAVA) and Australian

Veterinary Association Practice Managers

(AVAPM) began work on the standards of

care guidelines, and the welfare

subcommittee of Australian Pig

Veterinarians (APV) developed the Sick and

injured pig guidelines for veterinarians.

These were submitted it to Australian Pork

Limited for endorsement and should be

available in March 2012.

education and accreditation

The Australian Holistic Veterinarians (AHV),

EVA and ASAVA, among other groups, ran

webinars for the first time in 2011.

The AHV also held its first scientific meeting

and ACV introduced a new certificate

for members.

students

The Australian Veterinary Acupuncture

Group (AVAG) began sponsoring lectures for

final year veterinary students at the

University of Melbourne.

stephen Rose Foundation

Following a very generous donation from

Stephen Rose, the EVA began work on

establishing the Stephen Rose Foundation to

help equine veterinarians who work with the

threat of Hendra virus. EVA has applied for

tax deductible status for the Foundation.

New initiativesblack swan(Cygnus atratus)

+

New initiatives

e

e

// 25

The year commenced in dramatic fashion

with severe flooding in Queensland and

victoria. The ava board and divisional

committee members were very proactive

from the outset, contacting affected

colleagues and liaising on their behalf with

insurance and veterinary wholesale

suppliers. This collegial support for the

trustees from the ava management team

was greatly appreciated.

The veterinary industry deserves the

profession’s fullest praise for the timely

manner in which they provided support to

struggling colleagues. Provet/Henry Schein

and Guild Insurance were both very

proactive, with Henry Schein also donating

the wonderful sum of $18,500 to the work

of the Benevolent Fund. In addition, the

Illawarra Branch of the NSW Division

donated $7,311, the proceeds from their

charity ball, to the Fund. Other donations

were received from individual practices and

collegial reunions. These funds, in addition

to the regular contributions made by

membership donations have been

distributed to flood-affected colleagues.

In September, President Barry Smyth met

with the Fund Secretary and Treasurer to

discuss keeping the capital reserves of the

Fund between $500,000 and $1,000,000,

in order to cater for any catastrophic event

that might occur. In response to this and

other matters raised, the Trustees are

initiating a review of the Trust Deed.

The Bob Taylor Wellness Room at the 2011

AVA Annual Conference was well attended,

and there appears to be a greater

awareness of its aims and objectives

among delegates. Helen Jones and Paul

Davey from Perth were the principal

organisers of the Wellness Room, with the

Benevolent Fund as the primary sponsor.

Brian McErlean, the Fund’s newest Trustee,

was appointed as the AVA Community

Coordinator in Western Australia for One Life

Suicide Prevention Strategy, an initiative of

the Western Australian Government. His

involvement with this organisation adds an

extra dimension to the manner in which the

Fund can deliver assistance to veterinarians.

The balance of the Fund as at 31 December

2011 was approximately $195,950. The total

paid to 15 beneficiaries was $67,680.03. Of

equal importance is the personal contact

provided by the various representatives as

they liaised with affected colleagues and

their families.

The Trustees would like to thank all those

colleagues who have assisted with the

Fund’s work during the year.

randall leminSecretary and Trustee

in 2011, donations to the australian

Companion animal health Foundation

(aCahF) totaled $57,085.81 including

$2,844.46 from the sale of condolence

cards. The money raised will be used to

fund research grants in 2012.

Honorary Trustees continue to oversee the

operation of the ACAHF and funds donated

are distributed to clinical research projects

after careful assessment by a selected

Research Committee. The Australian Small

Animal Veterinary Association (ASAVA)

donates office space and administrative

support for the Foundation.

Projects funded by ACAHF in 2010–2011

were also assisted by funds from the Ottie

Testa Memorial Fund and the Sue Du Val

Memorial Fund. Some examples of the

types of research that were funded include

diabetes in cats, cancer, canine

osteoarthritis and Q fever.

The ACAHF Trustees would like to thank the

veterinarians, pet owners and industry who

so kindly donated to and supported the

Foundation in 2011.

The Australian Companion Animal Health Foundation

Benevolent Fund

esuffolk sheep(Ovis aries)

+

annual Report 2011 • Australian Veterinary Association Benevolent Fund | The Australian Companion Animal Health Foundation

Annual Report 2011 • Australian Veterinary Association // 27Financials

The Directors of the australian veterinary

association Limited (the Company) present

their report together with the financial

statements of the australian veterinary

association Limited and Controlled entities

(economic entity) for the financial year

ended 31 December 2011.

DiReCtoRsThe names of each person who has been a

Director during the year and to the date of

this report are:

Barry Smyth

Peter Gibbs

Mark Lawrie

Steve Atkinson

Ben Gardiner

Michele Cotton

Julia Nicholls

Ronald Harris Term finished 18 May 2011

Adele Feakes Appointed 4 February 2011

Peter Chenoweth Appointed 18 May 2011

Directors have been in office since the start

of the financial year to the date of this

report unless otherwise stated.

iNFoRmatioN oN ComPaNy seCRetaRyG Catt, ma, mba, Grad Dip business

Company Secretary since 16 April 2008.

j Robb, b ec(hons), LLb

Company Secretary since 10 March 2009.

PRiNCiPaL aCtivitiesThe principal activities of the economic

entity during the financial year focused on

the advancement of veterinary and allied

sciences and included:

• operation as an association representing

veterinary professionals in Australia

• promotion of the value of the profession to

the community, industry and government

• providing a forum for veterinarians to

exchange ideas and access member

services

• assisting members to strive for

professional excellence

• providing high standards of continuing

education and professional development

• publication of the Australian Veterinary

Journal and other scientific veterinary

journals and materials

• providing leadership and expert advice in

animal science, health, welfare and

production

• stimulating informed debate on issues

within the areas of professional competence

• developing technical policy on animal

health and welfare issues.

There were no significant changes in the

nature of the economic entity’s principal

activities during the financial year.

oPeRatiNG ResuLtsThe consolidated surplus from operations

for the year was $236,175.

(2010: consolidated deficit of $270,556).

RevieW oF oPeRatioNsA review of the operations of the economic

entity during the financial year is contained

in the President’s report on page 4.

The economic entity comprises the

Australian Veterinary Association Limited,

including 8 divisions, 21 special interest

groups (SIGs) and 40 branches in addition

to the AVA national group and 6 trusts. All

groups operate within their own budgetary

control but within financial operating

guidelines promulgated by the Board of

Directors. Being a not-for-profit entity, the

Company does not seek to maximise profits

but to provide member services compatible

with possible income. On the foregoing

basis, it is expected that the economic

entity will generate surpluses in some years

(to be carried forward for future use) and

deficits in some years (representing the

expenditure of past or future surpluses).

siGNiFiCaNt ChaNGes iN state oF aFFaiRsNo significant changes in the economic

entity’s state of affairs occurred during the

financial year.

eveNts subseQueNt to RePoRtiNG DateNo matters or circumstances have arisen

since 31 December 2011 that significantly

affected or may significantly affect:

(a) the operations of the economic entity

(b) the results of those operations

(c) the state of affairs of the economic

entity in the financial years subsequent

to 31 December 2011.

LikeLy DeveLoPmeNtsNo information is included in this report as it

is the opinion of the Directors that the

disclosure of this information would prejudice

the interests of the economic entity.

Likely developments in the activities of the

economic entity are noted elsewhere in the

Annual Report, with the Company

continuing to work towards the

achievement of its objectives.

DiviDeNDsThe Company’s constitution precludes the

payment of dividends. Accordingly, the

Directors do not recommend the payment

of a dividend. No dividend has been paid or

declared since the commencement of the

financial year.

DiReCtoRs’ beNeFits Since 31 December 2011 no Director has

received or become entitled to receive any

benefit by reason of a contract made by the

economic entity or a related corporation with

the Director or with a firm of which he/she is

a member, or with a Company in which he/

she has a substantial financial interest.

However the President and Directors who

serve in an honorary capacity are entitled to

receive a reimbursement for actual expenses

incurred as well as an honorarium for their

services as Directors of the Company.

barry smyth, BVSc, MBA, PhD, GAICD,

FANZCVSc, Diplomate ACVS, Registered

Specialist Equine Surgery

AVA member since 1984, AVA Director since May 2007. President EVA 2006–2007, Secretary

AEVA 2004–2006. Director Australian Horse Industry Council Inc. (AHIC) 2006–2009,

President AHIC 2006–2009. Director private companies. Clinical Veterinary Practice Australia

and overseas, Research Australia and USA. University teaching Australia and overseas.

Peter Gibbs, BVSc, MANZCVS (Anaes &

IC), CMAVA, MAICD

AVA member since 1970, AVA Director since May 2008. NSW Division committee member

2002–2008, President NSW Division 2006, Policy Advisory Councillor 2007–2008.

mark Lawrie, BVSc, MANZCVS (Animal

Welfare), GCM (Vet Practice), GAICD,

CMAVA

AVA member since 1995, AVA Director since 2006, AVA President 2008–2010. NSW Division

President 2005–2006. Chief Veterinarian RSPCA NSW 1993–2008. Secretary Animal

Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC) 2003–2007.

Consultant Veterinarian in Australia and Asia (animal welfare, practice management and

design, companion animal management, new products).

steve atkinson, BVSc, MANZCVS (Animal

Welfare), DipContEd, CMAVA

AVA member for more than 35 years, AVA Director since May 2007. President and Policy

Advisory Councillor AVAWE 1997–2007. Chair AVA Animal Welfare Trust. Chair AVA Animal

Welfare Advisory Committee. Industry Fellow University of Queensland Veterinary School.

Teaching at University of Queensland Veterinary School. Chair NSW Minister’s Animal

Welfare Advisory Council.

ben Gardiner, BVSc, CMAVA AVA member since 1982, AVA Director since May 2008. Various AVA branch and ACV SIG

executive positions since 1989 including ACV President 2003–2004. Elected member local

government 1995–1999.

michelle Cotton, BSc(Vet)(Hons), BVSc,

MVPHMgt, CMAVA

AVA Member since 1968, AVA Director since May 2009. AVPMA committee member

2008–2009, Secretary AVPMA 2009. AVBIG committee member and Policy Advisory

Councillor 2008–2009. AVA Education Taskforce 2009. AVA Risk and Audit Committee

2009. Director Postgraduate Foundation in Veterinary science 2002–2007. General and zoo

veterinary practice. University laboratory services and undergraduate teaching, Australia

and overseas. Currently on the governing boards of various not-for-profit organisations.

julia Nicholls, OAM, BVMS, PhD,

MANZCVS (Feline Medicine), CMAVA,

GAICD

AVA member since 1980, AVA Director since October 2009. Director Adelaide Animal

Emergency and Referral Centre. Meritorious Service Award 1992. South Australian Division

President 1986–1987 and committee member for 15 years. ASAVA Accredited Hospitals

Convenor 5 years. Animal Welfare Officer University of South Australia. Member Animal

Ethics Committees. Member Veterinary Surgeons Board South Australia 1987–1993 and

2002–2005. Member AVBC 2002–2008. Trustee Feline Health Research Foundation.

Ronald harris, BVSc AVA member since 1973, AVA Director since May 2010. President Tasmania Division 1998. Policy

Advisory Councilor Tasmania Division 1999–2005. Owner of mixed practice for 31 years.

adele Feakes, BVSc (Hons) (Melb) Cert

WAT

AVA member since 1983, AVA Director since February 2011. Rural practice owner for 24

years. Experience in MID AQIS and the Army Reserve. Teacher, University of Adelaide.

Co-founder Australian Camelid Veterinary Network.

Peter Chenoweth, BVSc (Hons), PhD,

MANZCVS (Reproduction). MACT

AVA member since 1966, AVA Director since June 2011. Queensland Division President 1980.

Federal Council. Meritorious Service Award 1987. Policy Advisory Councillor for 4 years.

Current ACV and ARV committee member and ARV newsletter editor. President Society for

Theriogenology 2005–2006. President Association for Applied Animal Andrology 2010.

Director University of Queensland Pastoral Veterinary Centre 1980–1984, Deputy Dean

University of Queensland 1985–1988. Endowed Chair, Kansas State University 1997–2005.

Presiding Officer Animal Care and ethics Committee, Charles Sturt University 2006–2010.

Directors' reportiNFoRmatioN oN DiReCtoRs


2011 2010

Notes $ $

Revenue from ordinary activities 2 10,131,336 9,701,210

(Loss)/Gain from non-operating activities 2 (20,576) 34,513

total revenue 10,110,760 9,735,723

Service expenses (842,836) (658,660)

Sponsorship, marketing and promotions expenses (196,213) (296,496)

Conferences and continuing education expenses (3,133,786) (3,362,752)

Communications and publications expenses (1,299,954) (1,454,539)

Occupancy expenses (210,850) (204,140)

Policy and advocacy expenses (429,507) (507,275)

Administration expenses (3,259,682) (3,057,651)

Other operating expenses (501,757) (464,766)

surplus/(loss) from ordinary activities before income tax expense 236,175 (270,556)

Income tax expense relating to ordinary activities 1(b) - -

surplus/(loss) from ordinary activities after income tax expense 11 236,175 (270,556)

other comprehensive loss

Unrealised gain/(loss) on available-for-sale financial assets (230,870) (19,485)

Reversal of unrealised (gain)/loss on available-for-sale

financial assets in prior year which were realised this year (11,375) (34,005)

total other comprehensive income/(loss) (242,245) (53,490)

total comprehensive (loss) for the year (6,070) (324,046)

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

meetiNGs oF DiReCtoRsDuring the financial year seven meetings of

Directors were held. Attendances were:

iNsuRaNCe FoR ComPaNy oFFiCeRs During and since the financial year the

Company has paid, or agreed to pay,

premiums in respect of contracts insuring

persons who are or have been a Company

Officer, against certain liabilities incurred in

that capacity. Company Officer for this

purpose means any Director or Secretary of

the Company and includes any other

person who is concerned, or takes part in,

the management of the Company, including

trustees of the six (6) trusts: Australian

Veterinary Association Benevolent Fund,

Australian Companion Animal Health

Foundation, Australian Veterinary

Association Animal Welfare Trust, Animal

Welfare and Crisis Response Trust,

Veterinary Emergency Support Trust and

AVA Animal Welfare Institute Trust.

The insurance contracts prohibit disclosure

of the nature of the liabilities insured by the

contracts and the amount of the premiums.

iNDemNity aND iNsuRaNCe oF DiReCtoRs aND oFFiCeRsThe Company has, to the extent permitted

by law, entered into agreements to

indemnify its Directors and officers for all

losses or liabilities incurred as an officer of

the Company or a related company. This

includes losses or liabilities incurred as an

officer of a company where such office is

held for the benefit of the Company.

No claim has been made against or by the

Company in relation to any such

indemnities or insurance policies during the

financial year ended 31 December 2011.

eNviRoNmeNtaL issuesThe economic entity’s operations are not

subject to significant environmental

regulation under the law of the

Commonwealth or any State or Territory.

PRoCeeDiNGs oN behaLF oF ComPaNyNo person has applied for leave of Court to

bring proceedings on behalf of the

Company or intervene in any proceedings

to which the Company is a party for the

purpose of taking responsibility on behalf

of the Company for all or any part of those

proceedings.

The Company was not a party to any such

proceedings during the financial year.

auDitoRs’ iNDePeNDeNCe DeCLaRatioNA copy of the Auditors’ independence

declaration as required under Section 307C

of the Corporations Act 2001 is set out on

page 44.

This declaration is made in accordance with

a resolution of the Board of Directors.

B Gardiner

Director and Honorary Treasurer

B Smyth Director and President

Dated in Sydney this 12th Day of April 2012.

DiReCtoRs’ meetiNGsNumber eligible

to attend

Number attended

Dr Barry Smyth 7 7

Dr Peter Gibbs 7 7

Dr Mark Lawrie 7 6

Dr Steve Atkinson 7 6

Dr Ben Gardiner 7 6

Dr Michele Cotton 7 5

Dr Julia Nicholls 7 7

Dr Ronald Harris 3 2

Dr Adele Feakes 7 7

Dr Peter Chenoweth 4 3

Directors' report continued Statement of comprehensive incomeFor the year ended 31 December 2011


2011 2010

Notes $ $

assets

CuRReNt assets

Cash and cash equivalents 14 1,902,029 2,072,362

Financial assets 6 2,793,704 1,660,000

Trade and other receivables 4 547,977 470,353

Inventories 23,790 56,398

Other current assets 5 385,185 359,138

total current assets 5,652,685 4,618,251

NoN-CuRReNt assets

Financial assets 6 2,013,220 2,152,311

Property and equipment 7 5,295,328 5,417,454

total non-current assets 7,308,548 7,569,765

total assets 12,961,233 12,188,016

CuRReNt LiabiLities

Trade and other payables 8 972,979 817,640

Other liabilities 9 1,625,265 1,103,038

Provisions 10 292,099 207,180

total current liabilities 2,890,343 2,127,858

NoN-CuRReNt LiabiLities

Provisions 10 115,942 99,140

total non-current liabilities 115,942 99,140

total liabilities 3,006,285 2,226,998

Net assets 9,954,948 9,961,018

eQuity

Retained earnings 11 6,315,495 6,071,003

Reserves 12 3,639,453 3,890,015

total equity 9,954,948 9,961,018


Statement of f inancial position Statement of changes in equityFor the year ended 31 December 2011 For the year ended 31 December 2011For the year ended 31 December 2011 For the year ended 31 December 2011

Retained asset Capital total earnings Revaluation Profits Reserve Reserve

$ $ $ $

balance at 1 january 2010 6,334,052 322,457 3,628,555 10,285,064

totaL ComPReheNsive iNCome

Deficit from operating activities (270,556) - - (270,556)

otheR ComPReheNsive iNCome

Change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets - (53,490) - (53,490)

total comprehensive income (270,556) (53,490) - (324,046)

Transfer of depreciation on appraisal of property from

retained earnings to asset revaluation reserve 7,507 (7,507) - -

balance at 31 December 2010 6,071,003 261,460 3,628,555 9,961,018

totaL ComPReheNsive iNCome

Surplus from operating activities 236,175 - - 236,175


Change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets - (242,245) - (242,245)

total comprehensive income 236,175 (242,245) - (6,070)

Transfer of depreciation on appraisal of property from retained earnings to asset revaluation reserve 8,317 8,317 - -

balance at 31 December 2011 6,315,495 10,898 3,628,555 9,954,948



2011 2010

Notes $ $

Cash FLoW FRom oPeRatiNG aCtivities

Receipts from members’ subscriptions 3,488,260 2,674,616

Receipts from other ordinary activities 7,704,072 7,371,918

Payments to suppliers and employees (9,913,219) (10,134,388)

Net payments to Australian Taxation Office for GST (480,156) (300,366)

Investment income received 127,221 99,314

Interest received 264,186 177,116

Net cash used in operating activities 1,190,364 (111,790)

Cash FLoW FRom iNvestiNG aCtivities

Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale financial assets 363,779 863,188

Payments for purchases of available-for-sale financial assets (487,267) (1,146,711)

Net (investments)/maturities of short-term placements (1,133,705) (1,013,966)

Payments for purchases of property and equipment (103,504) (76,484)

Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities (1,360,697) (1,373,973)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash held (170,333) (1,485,763)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the financial year 2,072,362 3,558,125

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the financial year 14 1,902,029 2,072,362


Note 1. statemeNt oF siGNiFiCaNt aCCouNtiNG PoLiCiesThe general purpose financial statements

cover the consolidated group of The

Australian Veterinary Association Limited

as an individual parent entity (the

Company) and The Australian Veterinary

Association Limited and the controlled

entities as a consolidated group (economic

entity). The Australian Veterinary

Association Limited is an unlisted public

company limited by guarantee,

incorporated and domiciled in Australia.

The Australian Veterinary Association

Limited has adopted AASB 1053 –

Application of Tiers of Australian

Accounting Standards and AASB 2010-2

– Amendments to Australian Accounting

Standards arising from Reduced Disclosure

Requirements to the annual reporting

period beginning 1 January 2010.

In accordance with the Corporations

Amendment (Corporate Reporting Reform)

Act 2010, parent entity columns are no

longer required to be presented in the

consolidated financial statements with

summarised parent entity financial

information to be provided in a note as

disclosed in Note 22.

basis of preparation

The financial statements have been

prepared in accordance with Australian

Accounting Standards, Reduced Disclosure

Requirements of the Australian Accounting

Standards Board (AASB) and the

Corporations Act 2001.

Australian Accounting Standards set out

accounting policies that the AASB has

concluded would result in a financial

statements containing relevant and reliable

information about transactions, events and

conditions to which they apply. Material

accounting policies adopted in the

preparation of these financial statements are

presented below. They have been consistently

applied unless otherwise stated.

The financial statements, except for the

cash flow information, have been prepared

on an accrual basis and are based on

historical costs modified by the revaluation

of selected non-current assets, and

financial assets and financial liabilities for

which the fair value basis of accounting has

been applied.

The financial statement were authorised for

issue on 12 April 2012.

accounting policies

(a) Principles of consolidation

An entity is consolidated when the

substance of the relationship between an

entity and the Company indicates that the

entity is ‘controlled’ by the Company. The

power to appoint or force resignation of

trustees in accordance with the Trust Deed

is an indication of this control.

The controlled entities are:

• Australian Companion Animal Health

Foundation

• Australian Veterinary Association

Benevolent Fund

• Australian Veterinary Association Animal

Welfare Trust

• Animal Welfare and Crisis Response Trust

• Veterinary Emergency Support Trust

• AVA Animal Welfare Institute Trust.

All controlled entities have the same

financial year-end as that of the Company.

All inter-company (Company-Trust)

balances and transactions between entities

in the Group, including any unrealised

profits or losses, have been eliminated on

consolidation. Accounting policies of the

controlled entities have been changed

where necessary to ensure consistency

with those policies applied by the Company.

Where controlled entities have entered or

left the economic entity during the year,

their operating results have been included/

excluded from the date control was

obtained or until the date control ceased.

(b) income tax

No income tax is payable by the Company

as it has been advised on 30 October 1981

by the Deputy Commissioner of Taxation

that it is exempt from income tax under the

terms of section 50(5) of the Income Tax

Assessment Act. As part of the self-

assessment regime the Company sought

professional advice during 2004 which

affirmed that there had been no substantial

change in purpose of the Company since

October 1981 and that the Company could

continue as a tax exempt entity.

(c) inventories

Inventories comprise primarily of forms,

publications, clothing and membership

insignia which have been included in the

accounts at cost on a first in first out basis.

All inventories are stated at the lower of

cost and net realisable value.

(d) Property and equipment

Each class of property and equipment is

carried at cost or fair value less, where

applicable, any accumulated depreciation.

Property

Freehold land and buildings are measured

on the fair value basis, being the amount

for which an asset could be exchanged

between knowledgeable willing parties in

an arm’s length transaction. It is the policy

of the Company to have an independent

valuation every three years, with annual

appraisals being made by the Directors.

New independent valuations of all

properties as at 31 December 2009 have

been obtained and provide the basis of

property valuations in the financial

statements. Newly acquired properties are

valued at cost, in the period preceding the

next round of external valuations.

Increases in carrying amount arising on

revaluation of buildings are credited to

asset revaluation reserve in the statement

of changes in equity.

Statement of cash f lows Notes to the f inancial statementsFor the year ended 31 December 2011 For the year ended 31 December 2011


Decreases that offset previous increases of

the same asset are charged against the

asset revaluation reserves directly in the

statement of changes in equity. All other

decreases are charged to comprehensive

income. Each year the difference between

depreciation based on the revalued

carrying amount of the asset charged to

the comprehensive income and

depreciation based on the asset’s original

cost is transferred from the retained

earnings to asset revaluation reserve.

Any accumulated depreciation at the date

of revaluation is eliminated against the

gross carrying amount of the asset and the

net amount is restated to the revalued

amount of the asset.

The buildings, which are a component of

the total valuation of each property, are

isolated from the land component and

depreciated over expected life of 40 years,

consistent with AASB 116 – Property, Plant

and Equipment.

office furniture, fittings and equipment

Office furniture, fittings and equipment are

measured on the cost basis less

depreciation and impairment losses.

The carrying amounts of office furniture,

fittings and equipment are reviewed

annually by Directors to ensure they are not

in excess of the recoverable amount from

those assets. The recoverable amount is

assessed on the basis of the expected net

cash flows which will be received from the

assets’ employment and subsequent

disposal. The expected net cash flows have

not been discounted to present values in

determining recoverable amounts.

Depreciation

The depreciable amount of all property and

equipment, excluding freehold land, is

depreciated on a straight line basis over their

estimated useful lives to the Company

commencing from the time the asset is held

ready for use. Leasehold improvements are

depreciated over the shorter of either the

unexpired period of the lease or the

estimated useful lives of the improvements.

The depreciation rates used for each class

of depreciable assets are:

Class of depreciable asset Depreciation rate

Buildings 2.5%

Office furniture and fittings 5–10%

Equipment 25–33%

Leasehold improvements 10%

The assets’ residual values and useful lives

are reviewed and adjusted if appropriate at

each statement of financial position date.

An asset’s carrying amount is written down

immediately to recoverable amount if the

asset’s carrying amount is greater than its

estimated recoverable amount.

Gains and losses on disposals are

determined by comparing the proceeds

with the carrying amount. These gains and

losses are included in the comprehensive

income and transferred to capital profits

reserve. When revalued assets are sold,

amounts included in the asset revaluation

reserve relating to the asset sold are

transferred to capital profits reserve.

impairment of assets

At each reporting date, the economic entity

reviews the carrying values of its tangible

assets to determine whether there is any

indication that those assets have been

impaired. If such an indication exits, the

recoverable amount of the asset, being the

higher of the asset’s fair value less cost to

sell and value in use, is compared to the

asset’s carrying value. Any excess of the

asset’s carrying value over its recoverable

amount is expensed to the statement of

comprehensive income.

(e) Financial instruments

Recognition and initial measurement

Financial instruments, incorporating

financial assets and financial liabilities, are

recognised when the economic entity

becomes a party to the contractual

provisions of the instrument. Trade date

accounting is adopted for financial assets

that are delivered within timeframes

established by marketplace convention.

Financial instruments are initially measured

at cost on trade date, which includes

transaction costs, when the related

contractual rights or obligations exist.

Subsequent to initial recognition these

instruments are measured as set out below.

Derecognition

Financial assets are derecognised where

the contractual rights to receipt of cash

flows expires or the asset is transferred to

another party whereby the economic entity

no longer has any significant continuing

involvement in the risks and benefits

associated with the asset.

available-for-sale financial assets

Available-for-sale financial assets include

financial assets not included in the

following categories:

• Financial assets at fair value through profit

and loss

• Loans and receivables

• Held to maturity investments.

Available-for-sale financial assets are

reflected at fair value. Unrealised gains and

losses arising from changes in fair value are

taken directly to asset revaluation reserve

in equity unless the assets are impaired.

Loans and receivables

Loans and receivables are non-derivative

financial assets with fixed or determinable

payments that are not quoted in an active

market and are stated at amortised cost

using the effective interest rate method.

Fair value

Fair value is determined based on current

bid prices for all quoted investments.

Valuation techniques are applied to

determine the fair value for all unlisted

securities, including recent arm’s length

transactions, reference to similar

instruments and option pricing models.

impairment

At each reporting date, the economic entity

assesses whether there is objective

evidence that a financial instrument has

been impaired. In the case of available-for-

sale financial instruments, a prolonged

decline in the value of the instrument is

considered to determine whether

impairment has arisen. Impairment losses

are recognised in the statement of

comprehensive income.

(f) employee benefits

Provision is made for the Company’s

liability for employee benefits arising from

services rendered by employees to financial

position date. Employee benefits expected

to be settled within one year together with

benefits arising from wages and salaries,

annual leave and sick leave which will be

settled after one year, have been measured

at the amounts expected to be paid when

the liability is settled plus related on-costs.

Other employee benefits payable later than

one year have been measured at the

present value of the estimated future cash

outflows to be made for those benefits.

Contributions are made by the Company to

employee superannuation funds and are

charged as expenses when incurred.

(g) Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the

economic entity has legal or constructive

obligation, as a result of past events, for

which it is probable that an outflow of

economic benefits will result and that

outflow can be reliably measured.

(h) Cash and cash equivalents

For the purposes of the statement of cash

flows, cash includes cash on hand and at

call deposits with banks or financial

institutions, investments in money market

instruments maturing within less than

three months and net of bank overdrafts.

(i) Revenue

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it

is probable that the economic benefits will

flow to the economic entity and the

amount of the revenue can be reliably

measured. The following specific

recognition criteria should also be met

before revenue is recognised:

• Membership subscriptions are brought to

account as income at the time these are

received except that where members’

subscriptions are received in respect of a

future financial period, the income is

deferred and subsequently recognised in

that future period.

• Interest revenue is recognised on a

proportional basis using the effective

interest method applicable to the

financial assets.

• Affinity commission is recognised when

the right to receive the income has been

established.

• Conferences and events revenue which

includes sponsorships and delegates fees

are recognised upon commencement of

the said conferences and events.

• Advertising revenue for the publishing

activity of the Company is recognised

when the particular article is due to be

published.

• Dividend and distribution revenue are

recognised when the right to receive the

income has been established.

All revenue is stated net of the amount of

goods and services tax (GST).

(j) Leases

Lease payments for operating leases,

where substantially all the risks and

benefits remain with the lessor, are

charged as expenses in the period in which

they are incurred.

(k) trade and other payables

Trade and other payables represent the

liability outstanding at the end of the

reporting period for goods and services

received by the economic entity during the

reporting period, which remain unpaid. The

balance is recognised as a current liability

with the amounts normally paid within 30

days of recognition of the liability.

(l) Goods and services tax (Gst)

Revenues, expenses and assets are

recognised net of the amount of GST,

except where the amount of GST incurred

is not recoverable from the Australian

Taxation Office. In these circumstances the

GST is recognised as part of the cost of

acquisition of the asset or as part of an

item of the expense. Receivables and

payables in the statement of financial

position are shown inclusive of GST.

Cash flows are presented in the statement

of cash flows on a gross basis except that

the GST component of investing and

financing activities, which are disclosed as

operating cash flows.

(m) Comparative figures

When required by Accounting Standards,

comparative figures have been adjusted to

conform with changes in presentation for

the current financial year.

(n) Critical accounting estimates and

judgments

The Directors evaluate estimates and

judgments incorporated into the financial

statements based on historical knowledge

and best available current information.

Estimates assume a reasonable

expectation of future events and are

based on current trends and economic

data obtained both externally and within

the economic entity.

The Directors assess impairment at each

reporting date by evaluating conditions

specific to the economic entity that may

lead to impairment of assets. Where an

impairment trigger exists the recoverable

amount of the assets is determined. Value

in use calculations performed in assessing

recoverable amounts incorporate a

number of key estimates. At 31 December

2011 there are no impairments.

Notes to the f inancial statementsFor the year ended 31 December 2011 For the year ended 31 December 2011


Note 2. Revenue from ordinary activities 2011 2010

$ $

oPeRatiNG aCtivities

Subscriptions 2,843,115 2,664,336

Affinity commissions 1,050,866 1,017,419

Interest 266,967 231,191

Investment income 133,534 99,314

Rental income 21,373 24,396

Other revenue (incl. conferences and publications) 5,815,481 5,664,554

10,131,336 9,701,210

NoN-oPeRatiNG aCtivities

(Loss)/Gain on disposal of investments (20,576) 34,513

(20,576) 34,513

total revenue 10,110,760 9,735,723

Note 3. Profit from ordinary activities

Profit from ordinary activities has been determined after:

eXPeNses

Depreciation and amortisation 225,630 228,995

Provision for employee entitlements 101,720 191,550

Note 4. trade and other receivables

CuRReNt

Trade receivables 301,238 227,557

Other receivables 246,739 242,796

547,977 470,353

Note 5. other current assets

CuRReNt

Prepayments 385,185 359,138

385,185 359,138

Note 6. Financial assets 2011 2010

$ $

CuRReNt

Short-term placements 2,793,704 1,660,000

NoN-CuRReNt

Available-for-sale - -

Managed funds 874,626 1,038,633

Listed shares 1,138,594 1,113,678

2,013,220 2,152,311

Note 7. Property and equipment

Land and buildings

Freehold land at:

Independent valuation December 2009 776,189 776,189

Buildings at:

Independent valuation December 2009 4,303,811 4,303,811

Less accumulated depreciation (206,005) (108,131)

4,873,995 4,971,869

Office furniture and equipment at cost 1,385,444 1,281,940

Less accumulated depreciation (964,111) (836,355)

421,333 445,585

total property and equipment 5,295,328 5,417,454

(a) movements in carrying amounts

Movements in the carrying amounts for each class of property and equipment between the beginning and the end of the current financial year. Freehold office furniture Land buildings and equipment total

$ $ $ $

Balance at the beginning of the year 776,189 4,195,680 445,585 5,417,454

Additions - - 103,504 103,504

Depreciation expense - (97,874) (127,756) (225,630)

Carrying amount at the end of the year 776,189 4,097,806 421,333 5,295,328

Independent valuations of all land and buildings were carried out on 31 December 2009 by registered valuers in each state or territory of the fair market value of land and buildings based on existing use and the values advised have been included in these financial statements.

The Directors have reviewed the key assumptions adopted by the valuers in 2009 and do not believe there has been a significant change in the assumptions at 31 December 2011. The Directors therefore believe the carrying amount of the land and buildings correctly reflects the fair value less costs to sell at 31 December 2011.



Note 8. trade and other payables 2011 2010

$ $

CuRReNt

Sundry creditors 972,979 817,640

972,979 817,640

Note 9. other liabilities

CuRReNt

Income received in advance

Membership subscriptions 919,965 607,941

Annual conference income 529,045 411,041

Other income in advance 176,255 84,056

1,625,265 1,103,038

Note 10. Provisions

CuRReNt

Employee benefits 292,099 207,180

NoN-CuRReNt

Employee benefits 115,942 99,140

total 408,041 306,320

Number of employees at year end 53 49

Note 11. Retained earnings 2011 2010

$ $

Balance at 1 January 6,071,003 6,334,052

Transfer of depreciation on appraisal of property to asset revaluation reserve 8,317 7,507

Surplus (Deficit) from operating activities 236,175 (270,556)

balance at 31 December 6,315,495 6,071,003

Note 12. Reserves 2011 2010

$ $

asset RevaLuatioN ReseRve

Balance at 1 January 261,460 322,457


Change in fair value of property - -

Change in fair value of available-for-sale financial assets - -

Unrealised (loss)/gain (230,870) (19,485)

Reversal of unrealised (gain)/loss in prior year which were realised this year (11,375) (34,005)

(242,245) (53,490)

19,215 268,967

Transfer of depreciation on appraisal of property from retained earnings (8,317) (7,507)

balance at 31 December 10,898 261,460

CaPitaL PRoFits ReseRve

Balance at 1 January 3,628,555 3,628,555

Transfer from retained earnings - -

Transfer from asset revaluation reserve - -

balance at 31 December 3,628,555 3,628,555

total reserves balance at 31 December 3,639,453 3,890,015

Note 13. Capital and leasing commitments

CaPitaL CommitmeNts:

As at 31 December 2011 the Group did not have any capital commitments.

PayabLe – miNimum Lease PaymeNts:

Not later than 1 year 31,601 32,715

Later than 1 year but not later than 5 years 7,820 39,421

39,421 72,136

Notes to the f inancial statementsFor the year ended 31 December 2011

movements of Provisions annual Long service Leave Leave total

$ $ $

Opening Balance at 1 January 2011 177,522 128,798 306,320

Additional provision raised during the year 202,754 79,840 282,594

Amounts used (168,275) - (168,275)

Unused amounts reversed during the year - (12,598) (12,598)

balance at 31 December 2011 212,001 196,040 408,041

A provision has been recognised for employee entitlements relating to long service leave. In calculating the present value of the future cash flows in respect of long service leave, the probability of long service leave being taken is based on historical data. The measurement and recognition criteria relating to employee benefits have been included in Note 1.

For the year ended 31 December 2011


Note 14. Cash flow information for cash and cash equivalents

Cash on hand and cash in bank 1,076,935 752,015

Short-term placements 825,094 1,320,347

1,902,029 2,072,362

Note 15. members guarantee

The Company is limited by guarantee. If the Company is wound up, the Constitution states that each member is required to contribute a

maximum of $50 each towards meeting any outstanding obligations of the Company. At 31 December 2011 the number of members was

6,916 (2010: 6,567).

Note 16. Remuneration of the auditor 2011 2010

$ $

amouNts ReCeiveD oR Due aND ReCeivabLe by the auDitoR oF the ComPaNy:

Audit of the financial statements 29,000 28,500

Other services 7,415 3,176

36,415 31,676

Note 17. key management personnel compensation

Total compensation 1,678,929 1,720,820

Note 18. Related parties

Directors: The names of persons who were Directors at any time during the year are set out in the Directors’ report on page 26.

Information relating to the remuneration of Directors is included in Note 17 as part of remuneration provided to key personnel. There were

no other transactions between Directors and the Company during the year.

During the year, interest paid to controlled entities amounted to $59,248 (2010: $58,520) and loans between controlled entities amounted

to $907,099 (2010: $856,946).

There were no other transactions with related parties and Directors.

Note 19. Financial instruments

The economic entity’s financial instruments consist mainly of deposits with banks, short-term investments, accounts receivable and

payable, and available-for-sale financial assets.

(a) Net fair value

The net fair value of:

Listed investments have been valued at the quoted market price at financial position date, adjusted for transaction costs expected to be

incurred. For unlisted investments where there is no organised financial market the net fair value has been based on a reasonable

estimation of the underlying net assets or discounted cash flows of the investment.

Other assets and other liabilities approximate their carrying values.

Note 20. Company details

The registered office of the Company is:

Unit 40

6 Herbert Street

St Leonards

NSW 2065

Note 21. subsequent events

No matters or circumstances have arisen since 31 December 2011 that significantly affected or may significantly affect:

(a) the operations of the economic entity

(b) the results of those operations

(c) the state of affairs of the economic entity in the financial years subsequent to 31 December 2011.

Note 22. Parent entity disclosures

In accordance with the Corporations Amendment (Corporate Reporting Reform) Act 2010 and the Corporations Act 2001 the following

summarised parent entity information is set out below. As at, and throughout, the financial year ended 31 December 2011 the parent

company of the Group was The Australian Veterinary Association Limited.

2011 2010

$ $

PRoFit oF the PaReNt eNtity

Surplus/(Deficit) for the year 189,042 (293,014)

Total comprehensive (loss) for the year (53,203) (346,504)

FiNaNCiaL PositioN oF the PaReNt eNtity as at 31 DeCembeR

Current assets 5,576,162 4,538,724

Total assets 12,884,711 12,108,488

Current liabilities 3,789,507 2,976,888

Total liabilities 3,905,448 3,076,029

Net assets 8,979,263 9,032,459

totaL eQuity oF the PaReNt eNtity ComPRisiNG oF

Issued capital

Capital profits reserves 3,628,555 3,628,555

Asset revaluation reserve 10,898 261,460

Retained earnings 5,339,810 5,142,444

total equity 8,979,263 9,032,459



The Directors of the Company declare that:

1. The financial statements and notes as set out on pages 29–41, are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001:

(a) comply with Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and

(b) give a true and fair view of the financial position as at 31 December 2011 and of the performance for the year ended on that date of the

economic entity.

2. In the Directors’ opinion there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they

become due and payable.

This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.

B GardinerDirector and Honorary Treasurer

B SmythDirector and President


Director's declaration Cavalier king Charles spaniel(Canis familiaris)

+


Independent auditor's reportAuditor's independence declarationto the DiReCtoRs oF the austRaLiaN veteRiNaRy assoCiatioN LimiteD

In accordance with the requirements of section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001, as lead auditor for the audit of The Australian

Veterinary Association Limited and its controlled entities for the year ended 31 December 2011, I declare that, to the best of my

knowledge and belief, there have been:

a) no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and

b) no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.

to the membeRs oF the austRaLiaN veteRiNaRy assoCiatioN LimiteD

RePoRt oN the FiNaNCiaL RePoRt

We have audited the accompanying financial report of The Australian Veterinary Association Limited (the Company) and its controlled

entities (the consolidated entity), which comprises the statement of financial position as at 31 December 2011, the statement of

comprehensive income, the statement of changes in equity and the statement of cash flows for the period then ended, notes comprising

a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information, and the Director’s declaration of the Company and the

consolidated entity comprising The Australian Veterinary Association Limited and its controlled entities at the year’s end or from time to

time during the financial year.

Directors’ responsibility for the financial report

The Directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with

Australian Accounting Standards – Reduced Disclosure Requirements (including Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the

Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial

report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

auditor’s responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with

Australian Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements

and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report is free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The

procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial

report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s

preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but

not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the

appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the Directors, as well as evaluating

the overall presentation of the financial report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

independence

In conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001. We confirm that the

independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, which has been given to the Directors of the Company, would be in the

same terms if given to the Directors as at the time of this auditor’s report.

opinion

In our opinion:

a) the financial report of The Australian Veterinary Association Limited and its controlled entities is in accordance with the Corporations

Act 2001, including:

i. giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 31 December 2011 and of its performance for the period

ended on that date; and

ii. complying with Australian Accounting Standards – Reduced Disclosure Requirements (including Australian Accounting Interpretations)

and the Corporations Regulations 2001.

moore StephenS SydneyChartered Accountants

SCott WhiddettPartner

moore StephenS SydneyChartered Accountants

SCott WhiddettPartner



© The Australian Veterinary Assciation 2012

Annual Report 2011

For general enquiries concerning the

Australian Veterinary Association:

Telephone: 1300 137 309

Facsimile: 02 9437 9068

Website: www.ava.com.au

Written and compiled by

Jennifer Bolton and Marcia Balzer

Designed by Southern Design

www.southerndesign.com.au

Photography © Anne Jackson (cover, pages 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 17, 21, 25)

Photography © Debbie Neutze (pages 14, 19, 22)

Photography © John Beale (page 43)

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